A salvage fishing licence is a special licence that can be issued when environmental or extreme conditions (i.e. low water levels, low dissolved oxygen, dewatering of irrigation canals) would prevent fish survival, often over the winter months. In these cases, anglers with a salvage licence may harvest additional fish that would otherwise die.
Salvage licences are often issued following the dewatering of irrigation canals or in waterbodies where low winter oxygen conditions are not survivable by fish populations.
For irrigation canal salvage licences, applicants must know which irrigation district they intend to salvage fish in, as well as the section of canal within that district prior to purchasing a licence. Anglers must provide an exact canal location when purchasing a salvage licence (for example: “below Stafford Reservoir for 5 miles”). To help applicants determine their fishing location and avoid areas closed to fishing, maps showing irrigation districts are posted here.
Other salvage fishing opportunities are posted below:
- Mile 7 Lake, near Lac la Biche
Anglers can refer back to this website page for updates on salvage fishing opportunities.
The cost of a salvage fishing licence for all applicants is $8.25 plus GST. Certain conditions apply to salvage fishing licences, including allowable fishing methods and retention limits.
Salvage licences must be purchased in-person at a Fish & Wildlife office. To find an office near you or to receive more information on potential salvage fishing licences or opportunities, please email:
Or visit the following website:
Updated: Sep 25, 2026